Argh, the torent of rain!

Far be it from me to be discontent with the weather. Seems like it has all been weathering in conjunction to our needs and desires so much lately that I hate to complain. But this rain! For the last 6 days the sky has been weeping ever so mournfully over our fair little farm. This is lovely in moderation. But my dear little fall garden, especially our sweet little feisty peas are getting plumb drowned. This evening I went out in the wet and drizzle and I could see the pea blossoms fairly glowing white on the little plants! They are so beautiful. But their feet are standing in puddles and it is called to rain yet more tonight and more on Friday and even more on Saturday.
And then I saw the weeds creeping over the isles between the garden rows. Just sitting there, growing. All content and happy that the rain is keeping me from tearing them to shreds with the hoe. Yes, I really do feel that they are mocking me. The crabgrass, the wild garlic, the red root pigweed, the morning glory. All thumbing their weedy noses at me for being unable to cultivate them to smithereens. Sigh.

the air is growing colder still
the night with it doth bring a chill

preparations we have begun
for when we shall see less sun

food in store for winter's freeze
wood to banish coldish breeze

cuddly blankets on the line
thinking of when we have more time

for snuggly reading sessions soon
and gazing through the owl moon

a new season is coming nigh
the present one is slipping by

the cycle revolving once again
exclusive to the Master's Plan

anw

Facebook Pages

We have started a "fan" club for Taylor and he has joined the fb family, finally :) He has been excited to see the response to the prayer requests and friends joining his page. It is uplifting. (As long as you can look past some of the other distracting or unseemly things on there :( .)

It's Our Anniversary

thirteen years of real life living. Sticking together through the trenches of reality. Whew!

PRAISE GOD, WE COULD HAVE NEVER EVER DONE IT WITHOUT HIM.
I am so amazed that we have gotten this far (not because I didn't think we could) but that the time is flying so quickly. I cannot believe I am as old as I am. That he is as old as he is (30 >snicker-old!<) And that we have been married so long. My inspiration is both sets of my grandparents, and my wonderful parents, faithfully together still! Thank you for your great examples.

Daddy was taking a nap so we sneaked out. . .

and went down to Yellowbank WMA for a Sunday afternoon walk. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining down on us as if to say "Come on out here and bask in the friendly warmness before the season ends!" So, we took the invitation and walked through the woods together.

As I walked behind the eager children some thoughts were crossing my mind. For one, I could not fathom ever thinking that I could handle taking seven children anywhere, especially "slinging" a 10 week old little one, two 2 year olds, one not quite 5, a 6 1/2 year old,and 10 and 12 year olds.

My other thought was we really have to do this more often. Yes, we live on a farm. Yes, the dear children are exposed to nature and the natural world on a daily basis. Yes, we do spend a great deal of time outside. BUT. . .

There was just something magical about walking throught the woods with the children. A couple of them would run up ahead of the group to find the next marker, which is, when you are on a not so worn path, a very important job!

We listened.

We looked for the tracks of wild beasts like horses and raccoons.

We discovered interesting and odiferous weeds.

The elder one practiced chivalry by holding back thorns and giving piggy back rides.

Their and my endurance was tested as we nimbly covered that uneven path for hours. Their patience with each other was tested. They sang together, ran together and helped each other. It was the most beautiful day in a long, long time.

Next time, we all hope daddy is up to it, too. It would be such a nice thing to share.

Un- Official Start of School

The second un-official week of school has started and is going along fairly well. I think that we have an understanding (or at the very least the start of one) that says: hey! We REALLY are going to have school at home. Again! Yay!

We rearranged the "den" to a school room/dining room-but, I am only allowing supper in there, that way the table isn't taken up with breakfast and dinner cleanup.

Our little one room school house has 4 "grades", preschool, 1st, 5th, and 6th, and a nursery school. I haven't figured out yet how to keep the nursery scholars out of the big scholar's stuff.

Next year, I promise myself that I will start lesson plans, copying worksheets and setting up all the binders and schedules extra early. That should really help keep things smoothly running.

My littles are so eager to learn they would like to do school all day! I say "school is dismissed go outside and catch some sunshine," and they say "can we do more of our workbooks?"

Amazing!

Well, the baby came. . .

and OH she is beautiful!! The entire birth was a beautiful experience (except of course the pain). She weighed 8 lbs and 12 oz and was 21 inches long. It took all of 3 minutes from tip to toe to deliver her and I have spent the last 10 weeks (yes she is that old now) admiring the handiwork of God who knit her together in his infinite creative genius.

Waiting and writing

When will she come? Awaiting the birth of a precious new life is not without it's concerns. Will we be safe on the other side of it? Will all be well? Will the midwife make it in time? Can I handle it?

For some reason, this life situation is really distressing me. I am in the midst of the fiery furnance and the brethren are the ones turning up the stove. There are no allies among the community. Self preservation is the number one goal of those who we thought were friends. It is very uncertain what will happen to our family next in the twisted jumble of lies and misrepresentations, misunderstandings and accusations.

My only comfort is that God is here in me and he will not give me more than I can handle. However, that does not keep me from experiencing so much pain and agony, just that he will be with me as I go through it.

The repo squad was here today, two of the tallest brethren. That was a little imtimidating. However, I think that they may have had pity on me (and the overwhelming amount of diapers I have to wash and the overloaded septic system) But probably not. Still they left the washing machine. They were only reps of the mean man who broke his word to us so many times already. Then told falsehoods to cover up his inconsistancy and lack of clarity.

I know that they would rather we leave their responsibility. How c an those that claim absolute dominion over spritual discernment and exercise be so ugly and hateful to those that are sick, needy or just plain different?

For We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
Ephesians 6:12, 13a

I hope no one else is hurting tonight. The girlies are having sickness, the big ones are very tired after working hard all day in the heat cleaning barns, mowing and loading firewood until dark.
This will be my only recourse in this disappointment. At least it helps not to keep the emotional things inside only, to have them out but not known by others.

What is this?

Reality's hug is an ongoing, unsteady writing of the every day happenings of our lives, thus the way life envelopes each one of us in realistic drama, excitement, sorrow and contentment. In a few words: Life's hugs from our perspective.

We are writing for our own memories.

But you are welcome, too! Like the ripples in a pond, each of us touches those around us, but how you are touched will look differently from my side of the wave! Not all people think or feel alike, respectful comments will be considered for inclusion.

Sincerely,

AN